Air Filter Change
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Hampton, VA
1998 C43, White over two tone
Air Filter Change
Hey guys, well I guess if I am going to keep this car I am gonna start to learn how to do some of this maintenance myself. My first task is to change out the air filter. Can anyone reccomend where/what filter to get? Also, I am not really mechanically inclined, so would anyone be willing to give me a step by step on the best way to do this? I am trying to save some money and become closer to my car by doing my own work, but I don't want to half *** (sorry if we aren't allowed to cuss) anything either. I plan on keeping her as the start of my MB collection.
Thanks in advance and I apologize for the elementary nature of the request.
Jeff
Thanks in advance and I apologize for the elementary nature of the request.
Jeff
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 126
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From: North of Boston
C43AMG 1999
Originally Posted by VAamg
Hey guys, well I guess if I am going to keep this car I am gonna start to learn how to do some of this maintenance myself. My first task is to change out the air filter. Can anyone reccomend where/what filter to get? Also, I am not really mechanically inclined, so would anyone be willing to give me a step by step on the best way to do this? I am trying to save some money and become closer to my car by doing my own work, but I don't want to half *** (sorry if we aren't allowed to cuss) anything either. I plan on keeping her as the start of my MB collection.
Thanks in advance and I apologize for the elementary nature of the request.
Jeff
Thanks in advance and I apologize for the elementary nature of the request.
Jeff
i'd get OEM filters. MANN is the manufacturer. C43 has two of them.
if you search around, you'll be able to get them at 16 bucks a pop, so 32+ shipping for a pair.
some places have free shipping at 50+ so if you get anything else togetther you could save.
the process takes about 15 minutes, or if you wash some things and recondition the gasket . . . for the first time it will be about an hour. there is a walkthrough here somewhere (do a search) or maybe it was on the other site . . . very easy. this was the first thing i done myself on my C43.
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Joined: Sep 2003
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basically take the front engine cover off, they just pull up. now take off the two air ducts, now take off the air box itself, again this just pulls up. after taking it off from the car, flip the airbox over and place it on a towel or somehting so not to scratch the upper plastic shell of the airbox. you will see bunch of torx screws, can't remember exactly what size they are, unsrew all of them and the airbox will separate in two. take out the filters, clean up a bit in side the airbox and reinstall the new filter. to put everything back just reverse the process. one thing to note is that when you put the airbox back on, double check to make sure you ahve seated the back of the airbox correctly onto the MAF sensor, i've seen few where they didn't seat it all the way and that is bad, unfiltered air will probably leak or get sucked in there. just take yoru time to make sure you seat the air box back on correctly. its a very simple DIY.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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additional important points in changing air filter
I second the recommendatioin for OEM Mann filter. You can purchase them on line or even at the local NAPA auto store. They are superb. You should obtain at least a 50% discount off the list price with no problem. The pair cost me about $37. The necessary TORX T25 #D142 screwdriver is also sold there for under $9. You must use the correct Torx screwdriver or you will mangle the screws and ruin the housing.The screws require generous force to turn so having the correct tool is essential.
I would also add one proviso to the excellent instructions given in the previous post. When you lift off the air cleaner housing, understand that there will be an accumulation of sand and grit inside. As you begin your lift, slightly tilt the BACK of the unit upwards so no sand falls out the rear which is where the actual engine air intake is. Change and clean the housing well away from the engine. Immediately cover the engine air intake with a clean cloth. You would not believe how easily things can fall into an engine!!!!!
Either wash the housing or use compressed air before replacing with the fresh new air cleaner elements. Make sure the flex houses are securely seated. It is a satisfying DIY that should take about 20 minutes.
I would also add one proviso to the excellent instructions given in the previous post. When you lift off the air cleaner housing, understand that there will be an accumulation of sand and grit inside. As you begin your lift, slightly tilt the BACK of the unit upwards so no sand falls out the rear which is where the actual engine air intake is. Change and clean the housing well away from the engine. Immediately cover the engine air intake with a clean cloth. You would not believe how easily things can fall into an engine!!!!!
Either wash the housing or use compressed air before replacing with the fresh new air cleaner elements. Make sure the flex houses are securely seated. It is a satisfying DIY that should take about 20 minutes.
Last edited by skytop; Aug 27, 2005 at 05:25 PM.
